Category Archives: Federal Crime
Florida Men Convicted of “Maritime Theft” Over Decision to Free Sharks
It is quite extraordinary for a federal judge to openly criticize the government’s decision to prosecute a defendant, especially in a decision upholding that defendant’s conviction. Yet that is what recently happened in the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, where a three-judge panel affirmed the convictions of two men charged… Read More »
Can Murder-for-Hire Be Justifiable Homicide?
You probably do not need to be told that hiring a hitman to kill someone is against the law. Indeed, it is not just a state crime but also a federal offense if any means of interstate communication are used to further such a plot. Specifically, the federal murder-for-hire statute provides that a person… Read More »
How the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute Can Land You in Prison
If you work in the healthcare industry, you need to be cognizant of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS). The AKS imposes criminal and civil liability on anyone who offers, solicits, pays, or receives any form of payment in exchange for the referral of services or products covered by a federal health care program. In… Read More »
Supreme Court Affirms Right to Jury Trial in SEC Civil Penalty Proceedings
If someone accuses you of stealing money from them, there are a couple of ways the situation could play out. The accuser could file a civil lawsuit against you, seeking damages for the money you owe them. Alternatively, a Florida prosecutor could charge you with a criminal offense, such as theft by conversion. In… Read More »
Is It a Crime to Threaten Someone on Social Media?
Social media services like Facebook and X (the former Twitter) make it possible for individuals to share their thoughts with a worldwide audience. And while some social media executives may tout their services as committed to “free speech,” the reality is that anything you do say online can be used against you in a… Read More »
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud Medicare of Over $36.2 Million
Health care fraud is big business for federal prosecutors here in Florida. Anyone suspected of defrauding Medicare or Medicaid can expect the full weight of the U.S. Department of Justice to come crashing down on them. Indeed, conviction of a health care fraud-related crime not only carries the potential for serious jail time–the government… Read More »
How “Failure to Notify a Common Carrier” Can Lead to 8 Years in Federal Prison
There are some items you cannot legally ship through the mail or other common carrier. For example, federal law forbids anyone except for a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to ship firearms internationally. In other words, if you mail a handgun from the United States to a foreign country–and you do not have a… Read More »
NASA Sub-Contractor Pleads Guilty to Federal Wire Fraud Charge
White collar crimes often involve allegations of financial fraud. For example, if the government believes that someone has filed false or fraudulent documents in order to obtain a financial benefit, that can lead to a prosecution of wire fraud. And you better believe the government will pursue such charges when the government itself is… Read More »
How Impeding Interstate Commerce Can Lead to Federal Criminal Charges
Many federal crimes are based on Congress’ constitutional power to regulate interstate commerce. For example, a person commits federal mail fraud if they use any means of interstate communication to defraud someone out of money. Similarly, if you engage in a violent act that somehow impedes interstate commerce–such as using an explosive to destroy… Read More »
Do You Have to Identify Yourself to a Police Officer?
When a police officer in Florida initiates a traffic stop, they can require the driver to identify themselves by demanding to see their driver’s license. But what about other people inside of the vehicle? Can the police demand to know the identity of a passenger? And if the passenger refuses, are they committing a… Read More »
